PS 3519 
.0445 
P6 
1921 
Copy 1 



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Fhe four, seas 



JOSHUA HENRY JONES 




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Book 



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CQEmiGHT DEPOSm 



FOUR SEAS 



POEMS OF THE 

FOUR SEAS 



BY 



JOSHUA HENRY JONES 




THE CORNHILL PUBLISHING CO. 
BOSTON 



t- ' v^r^l' 






Copyright, 1921 
By the GORNHILL PUBLISHING GO. 



©CU654223 



Printed in the United States of America 



THE PILGRIM PRESS 
BOSTON 



DEC 29 1921 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Roadway ^ 

The Four Seas Abe Brothers 4 

Fay Time on the Moor ^ 

The Trial of Christ ^ 

Solace ■'■-*■ 

Gathering Driftwood ^'^ 

The Years of Youth 1^ 

Laurel's Eyes ^^ 

To New England ^^ 

Missionaries -^^ 

18 



A Little White Hearse 

Afterward ^^ 

One by One ^^ 

Going Home to Rest 21 

To A Tiny Hand • 22 

Consolation . 23 

A Wish 25 



Chloe's Lament 



26 



Welcome Home 27 

Cheer Up, Little Louise 28 

When the Sap Commences Running 30 

Oh, Faded Flower 31 

I Saw You ^2 

Destiny ^^ 

Questing ^^ 

Traveling ^ 

Remark 36 



CONTENTS - Continued 

PAGE 

Reflection 36 

To O. M. J 37 

Evening Thoughts 38 

What the Violet Heard 42 

To V— A— 43 

Lines to a Picture 44 

When the Tide Goes Out 46 

Walking Home with Maby 47 

Promises 48 

The Evening Stab 49 

The Fates 50 

Brothers 51 



FOUR SEAS 



FOUE SEAS 



THE ROADWAY 

There are hill roads and dale roads, 

And roads that bind and twist; 
Some wide roads and cramped roads 

Which many souls have missed. 
There are blind roads and night roads 

That lead to where we fall. 
The long road's a hard road 

But the best road after all. 

Some good roads, some bad roads 

Are roads of dust and grime; 
Some rest roads and toil roads, 

Then some that lead to crime. 
The best road's the west road 

Which becks with quiet call. 
The straight road, though hard road. 

Is the best road after all. 

There's a love road and a hate road; 

And this last road trails to hell. 
There's a cool road; a clean road 

That leads by friendship's well. 
But the best road is the west road 

That calls us one and all. 
'Tis a bright road— a right road 

And — the one road after all. 



FOUE SEAS 



THE FOUR SEAS ARE BROTHERS 

The four seas are brothers. 

Thus the age old legend runs. 
And the kinship shows 
In each wind that blows 

From the poles to tropic suns. 

The four seas are brothers 

To the folk who dwell ashore; 
For the tide that sweeps 
Over shoals and deeps 

Is the same in sigh or roar. 

The four seas are brothers 

Whether North, East, South or West. 
For their fountain head 
Is the common bed 

Where the bones of wreckage rest. 

The four seas are brothers. 

And ne'er shall be more parts. 
And a man is a man 
Despite pride or ban, 

Matters not from whence he starts. 



FOUR SEAS 



FAY TIME ON THE MOOR 

When the harvest moon is spraying 

Stubbled fields with silvered dew; 
When the night wind cool is playing 

With the willow and the yew, 
When the leaves lisp songs entrancing 

Echo-voiced from valley's floor 
Then the elfin folk are dancing, 

And 'tis fay time on the moor. 

Leaping where the shades are deepest; 

Racing where the moonbeams fall; 
Tumbhng where the bluffs are steepest 

There's wild revelry for all. 
All the night birds hear their whispers 

Sky and dell is magic floor, 
Where they chatter, laugh or lisper 

During fay time on the moor. 

When the night is still and calmest, 

And dull mortal earth doth sleep; 
Where the katydid's the psalmist 

There the fairy faces peep. 
Harvest moon its silver sprinkling, 

O'er the valley's rolHng floor; 
Those who listen soon hear tinkling, 

Feet of fairies on the moor. 



FOUE SEAS 



THE TRIAL OF CHRIST 

The great Sanhedrin sat in state 
Grim jurors, pawns of grimmer fate. 
Their robed splendor richly shown 
Gave proof of power, each his own. 
The ablest of their kind were there; 
Though guides of justice — worldly fair — . 
Gray-visaged men of vast renown 
Discoursing wisdom, sagely grown, 
Sat side by side with potentate; 
With mitred priest and magistrate. 
Through high-arched, fluted corridors 
A motly crowd surged from the doors; 
A curious mingled, awe-bound crowd 
Whose whispered mouthings rumbled loud, 
From wall to wall and dome to dome 
Till wafted to each city home. 
Long ere the session had begun 
One fact each mind did fairly stun; 
From street to street, from Up to Hp 
The fated news began to sHp; 
Old mothers in the market place. 
And toddUng maids with lisping grace, 
Paused 'midst their toils to ponder on 
That truth the air each bore upon; 
Across the yards the gossips ran, 
A-thrilled to tell whatever each can 

6 



FOUR SEAS 



Of that, to them, eventful day 
That would all earthly nations sway; 
" They^re trying Christ! They're trying Christ! 
The Nazarene whose head is priced." 
And down the ages comes the cry 
Which ever comes and ne'er will die; 
Until the human heart has learned 
The lamp of truth though lowly burned 
Will rise with purifying flame 
And cause all ills to hide in shame. 
Thus as the word was passed along 
The news was intoned like a song. 
Straight to the portals from each throat 
The cry was borne in grief and gloat: 
'* They're trying Christ, the Nazarene, 
Him who hath all our sinning seen." 
Those godly ones whom love had saved 
Wept 'midst their prayers while others raved. 
All knew that wronged would be the Just. 
For who could in such manhood trust? 
Where prejudice and pride hold sway 
The truth can have but briefest stay. 
At last there came a word that thrilled 
Those loyal hearts whom love had filled: 
" Make way for Christ! He comes this way! 
The Christ is being tried this day." 
And down the centuries the cry 
Peals from a conscience stricken sky, 
'^ Make way for Christ! He comes this way! 
Heed ye whom greeds have led astray." 

7 



FOUR SEAS 



Then through the throngs 'midst which he passed 
Came cheers and groans and hisses fast. 
Till silence gripped each human jaw 
At sight of God before man's law; 
Weak puny men who failed to see 
Divinity that set them free. 
They in their ignorance blaspheme 
That one who moved to act in dream 
Gave hfe and by that living taught 
The noblest lesson truth has sought. 
He stood alone while in his face 
Was shown benignest love and grace. 
" Make wa}^ for Christ! — the rabble's shout — 
" Make way for Christ! " Hearts echo out. 
And while his soul is filled with pain 
They clear a path, but lean and crane 
Their necks that they might freely see 
The man of God who'd make them free. 
Straight up the temple steps he goes 
To shoulder all of human woes; 
Nor pauses till he stands before 
The Pilate who in mind is sore 
To know that he his Christ must try; 
God who is Master — earth and sky. 
Now in the judgement hall they stood, 
The Pilate and the man of good. 
The charges made, the questions asked; 
The venom bold accusers masked; 
Still, Pilate judged Christ without fault, 
And would foul persecution halt. 

8 



FOUR SEAS 



But they were bent on having blood 

From him who 'gainst extortions stood, 

And all the hosts of people stirred 

With love's new doctrine which they heard. 

They feared the God of Truth and Right 

Would shear them of their power and might. 

Christ stood before the judgement bar 

And named for Pilate, kingdoms far 

More valued than the wealth of men, 

As true today as true 'twas then. 

Thus Pilate bending from his throne 

Ruled he'd an irksome duty done 

When he announced with mien austere 

Those words betokening his fear: 

" I know no law by which to try 

This most just man." " No, No," they cry. 

" We'll crucify the Christ and rid 

Ourselves of one whose teachings bid 

The poor throw off the yoke of class 

For kingdoms that will come to pass, 

In which the right and truth prevail, 

Where every grasp of self will fail; 

Who stirreth up, those whom we feel 

Beneath us, to unholy zeal. 

And makes a mockery of laws 

That have for ages won applause." 

With Christ delivered to their hands 

They marched with blaring trumpet bands 

To that deserted, lonely hill 

Where custom gave them right to kill; 



FOUR SEAS 



And there upon a cross, made bold 

To slay the man who truth them told. 

And from that hill comes down the years 

Mid battle clashings, groans and tears: 

** Make way for Christ! He comes this way! " 

Heart's echoes shout the cry today. 

" Make way for Christ! Away! Away! 

Ah ye of earth turn not away. 

Why crucify by wrongs and greeds 

The one who stands above all creeds? 

All who have hearts behold the way 

That points for earth a newer day. 



10 



FOUE SEAS 



SOLACE 

Shadows are climbing over the hill, 
And where they lengthen earth becomes still; 
Soothed to its slumber — lulled to repose — 
By whispered zephyr kissing a rose. 

Home thoughts are teeming, soothing the soul- 
Still grow the surgings where tempests roll. 
Daylight is ending — quiet — serene — 
O'er all heart longings draping a screen. 

Where are the triumphs won thro' the day? 
Only their memories dimmingly stay. 
Some of them cheering — some full of gloom 
Clinging — regretful — drifting to doom. 

Only the solacing comforting thought 
Ghosts of v£.in moments, how eagerly caught. 
As I look backward o'er sun-blistered road 
That I have lightened some other one's load. 

Shadows are climbing ending the day, 
Leaving a trailing — this is life's way. 
Soon I will slumber — sink to repose — 
Freed of all worries — couched next yon rose. 



11 



FOUR SEAS 



GATHERING DRIFTWOOD 

Gathering driftwood down by the sea, 
Driftwood that's tossed about under the lea; 
Flotsam — the sport of each incoming wave, 
Plucked as it comes from a spume-covered grave; 
Dried by the bhst'ring of Time's summer sun, 
Whirled out of brine where foam eddies are spun; 
Wreckage — storm-ripped — from some proud sailing 

ship. 
Bark that has ended its last thrilling trip, 
Now nought but driftwood that's caught from the sea — 
Driftwood that's gathered up — coming to me. 

Gathering driftwood down by the sea, 
Thoughts from life's ocean come floating to me. 
Many a bark that starts breasting the wave 
Splinters to flotsam with tears for its grave; 
Tossed on Eternity's sand dunes at last, 
Gathered as flame food out of the past, 
Brightens, a beacon, ere ship falls apart 
Flickers out courage to some failing heart. 
Though 'tis but driftwood out of the sea. 
Tossed up by trouble's waves — out of life's sea. 

Gathering driftwood down by the sea. 
Echoes of broken hearts come up to me. 
Battered and tossed by the waves of no hope, 
Stagnating souls who in fog of doubt grope; 

12 



FOUE SEAS 



Rended asunder by winds of ill will, 
Crushed 'gainst the rocks where rude evils all spill; 
Come from Eternity — come with a groan — 
Come with a dolorous, cavernous moan; 
Tenderly gathered in sympathy's arms — 
Driftwood remaining — but driftwood that warms. 



13 



FOUR SEAS 



THE YEARS OF YOUTH 

Oh, give me back the years of youth! 

Those days of faith undaunted, 
When Ufe knew nothing save of truth — 
The years no sorrow haunted ; 
When friends we knew 
Were real and true, 
And ne'er false values flaunted. 

Oh, give me back the years of youth! 

That hke swift rushing river 
Too quickly flowed for any ruth 
Yet seemed to glide forever; 
When heart was strong. 
Filled with glad song 
That prompted each endeavor. 

Oh, give me back the years of youth! 

When courage marched with beauty; 
Nor feared to bear the shield of sooth — 
When right waged wars for duty. 
Those days though gone 
Return anon 
And cheat death of his booty. 



14 



FOUR SEAS 



LAUREL'S EYES 

When Laurel's laughing wide blue eyes 

Turned smilingly on me, 
The world forgot its pains and sighs 

In gladsomeness set free. 
Promethean thongs that heart enchained 

Where soul-dark ravens fed, 
All fell away while sprays that pained 

Left waves of love instead. 

When Laurel's tender deep blue eyes 

Lift smilingly to me, 
No orb there is that Hghts the skies 

But hides its gleam to flee. 
Go tell the world life never dies; 

Hope rides eternal — free — 
When Laurel's loving deep blue eyes 

Lift tenderly to me. 



15 



FOUE SEAS 



TO NEW ENGLAND 

I love you, old New England! 

From 'Roostook down to the Sound 

Thy rude, rough headlands, shores and vales 

To me are sacred ground: 

Where heroes fought 

And freedom bought: 

And truth is guide to thought. 

I love you, fair New England! 
From border line to the sea. 
I treasure every snow-kissed hill; 
They're God-built shrines to me : 
Where bards have sung 
In world-loved tongue, 
Where right her mantle's hung. 

I love you, fond New England! 

From Long Lake down to the Sound! 
Thy bosom cradles noble names 
Whom lasting mem'ry's bound. 
Where sabres clashed ; 
War's thunders crashed; 
Where hopes are never dashed. 



16 



FOUR SEAS 



God keep you, loved New England! 

From 'Roostook down to the Sound; 
Always in van of cause that's right 
May you be ever found. 
Firm Beacon be, 
Light to life's sea 
Thou land of liberty! 



MISSIONARIES 

They found a heathen on an isle across the sea. 

The isle was fair and full of riches too. 
They sent one holy man the heathen's soul to free — 
The mission man took truth beyond the blue. 

The mission man soon called on friends for help. 

Aid came to him — a mighty battleship — 
They took the island's wealth of gold and kelp 

To pay the gospel cruiser's hostile trip. 

The missionary's duties now are at an end. 

He did his work completely — did it well. 
The heathen's now a shackled slave to vice — and penned. 

They took his home — and sent his soul to hell. 



17 



FOUR SEAS 



A LITTLE WHITE HEARSE 

A little white hearse 

At somebody's door — 
And some cottage or mansion 

Is saddened and poor. 

A little white hearse 
In somebody's street — 

And stilled is the patter 
Of two little feet. 

Ah, little white hearse 

Ah, why did you call? 
And why should you covet 

This jewel of all? 

Oh, little white hearse 

Though heart you have pained; 
And earth's lost a cherub, 

God's heaven has one gained. 



18 



FOUR SEAS 



AFTERWARD 

After the earthquake stillness reigns; 

Following storm is peace. 
After your losses come your gains — 

And dreams that hearts release. 

After the evil comes the good 

Whatever the road men trod. 
After our sins we wear the hood 

When conscience talks with God. 

Following hatred then comes love; 

After our grief come smiles. 
And if we face to skies above 

We see naught but life's worthwhiles. 

Straight is the way that trails the turn; 

After the frost — the fire. 
Hope that has overturned sorrow's urn . 

Will surely the soul inspire. 

After we've wounded a heart we grieve; 

What we receive — we give. 
After we punish we then relieve — 

After we die — we live. 

After we fail we struggle on; 

After we fall we rise, 
Sure that we'll see when the night has gone 

God's sun in the morning skies. 



19 



FOUR SEAS 



ONE BY ONE 

One by one the days are going. 

One by one the moments flee. 
Like a stream that's ever flowing; 

Flowing to Eternity. 

One by one our tasks we're ending. 

One by one we sigh and sleep; 
Lashed by fate's decree unbending 

Balked ambitions make us weep. 

One by one life's miles we're tracing, 

Sometimes halting lest we fall: 
One by one time's impress tracing 

Till we answer toil's last call. 

One by one heart seeds we're planting 

Whether soil be rich or poor. 
Good deeds growing, Heaven's will granting, 

Will enfertile all earth's moor. 

One by one are blessings given 

With our ills, to teach us life 
Gives us naught if we've not striven 

To plant love in fields of strife. 

One by one the days are growing. 

One by one the moments flee. 
And thej^ bear us scarcely knowing 

Swiftly to eternity. 

20 



FOUR SEAS 



GOING HOME TO REST 

When I was a Lid, when the earth ne'er was sad. 

From my window ere dayhght was born, 
Forsaken by sleep, back from dreams that were deep 

I'd come called by heralds of morn. 
As the sky tinted pale beyond earth's outer rail 

And then changed to a yellowish chrome 
I'd see the stars blink and then silently sink 

Into hght and go twinkling off home. 

Then the grass by the door was with dew silvered o'er. 

'Twas a fairyland trove to behold. 
Till the sun with his rays recolored the grays 

And each blade seemed to drip molten gold. 
Then I chuckled in glee that the fairies for me 

Had provided such magical sight. 
Till the sun came o'er hills and soon sipped up the rills 

With his thirsty and harsh cruel light. 

But the thought brought me cheer though the day became 
drear, 

That the stars and the dew on the grass. 
Were but guards from the sky while we slumbering lie, 

Where the light of the ages will pass; 
Who when work hours are done they depart one by one 

To the land of the fairy and gnome — . 
And just like the stars when death lowers the bars 

I shall silently steal away home. 

21 



FOUR SEAS 



TO A TINY HAND 

A soft yet pulsing bit of flesh and bone; 

So dainty that slight pressure would it crush, 
And yet 'tis strong enough to lead me on 

Safe thro' all paths where brooding dangers push. 

A tiny hand — placed trustingly in mine 

To guide two toddling, stumbling feet aright. 

Who's guide along our way thro' night and shine? 
I lead and yet I follow soul of white. 

A tiny hand ! What trust in me is placed ! 

What bhnd unerring faith in me is shown! 
How can I e'er be false when I am faced 

With such a trust this hand puts in mine own. 

A tiny hand — 'tis mine to lead along 

The worldly paths whereon our footsteps trod. 

I lead? Ah no, tho' I admit I'm strong 

That hand leads me and links my soul with God. 

Who has not thrilled at touch of baby hand 
And thereat willed to lead a better life? 

Who has not joined the host from magic land 
And dreamed of trust and faith less strife? 



22 



FOUR SEAS 



CONSOLATION 

There's always a sun somewhere in the sky- 
No matter how hard it rains. 

Joy has an echo for every heart's sigh 
And solaces all our pains. 

There's always a wee bit of hope in the soul 

Despite all the gloom that shows; 
And never do storm clouds over us roll 

But a fair wind finally blows. 

There's always a blessing a-trailing each curse 

That low bows the head in grief. 
Life always balances better and worse; 

The long journeys average the brief. 

Always we'll find there's some love in the heart, 
While Time sweetens bitterest hate, 

And swings fortune's circle each new day to start, 
So why not be patient and wait? 

Today we are living; our song we intone 
Then depart; yield to others our place. 

The door betwixt death and birth's only a stone 
On which a few markings we trace. 



23 



FOUR SEAS 



Yet if such impressions as we leave behind 

Can aid those who follow our tread, 
What tho' we've passed on? Those still coming will 
find 

We're living each day tho' we're dead. 

Let's walk in the sunshine along with the gloom 

And face life as heroes face death. 
Go boldly to duties whate'er be our doom 

Till summoned by Him who gives breath. 



24 



FOUE SEAS 



A WISH 

When your joys are of the sweetest 
And your heart is Hght and free; 

When your griefs are skimming fleetest, 
Love, one moment think of me. 

I'd not ask you to remember 
Me when hfe is dull and drear; 

When your hopes are but an ember 
From a cold and vanished year; 

Sorrow's far too bleak a burden 

To retain in memory's hall. 
Friendship has no greater guerdon 

Than to happiness recall. 

So, when roses scent the twilight 
Air with ling'ring dew damp breath, 

Please remember me as eye-bright 
Faith remembers until death. 



25 



FOUR SEAS 



CHLOE'S LAMENT 

The turtle dove is moaning for 

Its mate from yonder tree; 
" I wonder why my errant love 

Comes never back to me." 
Its cooing plaint makes sad my heart 

And dulls my breast with woe. 
For who can fill with gladsome thrill 

Souls that great sorrow know? 

The sighing fir is whispering 

To every lazing breeze 
That sweeps along o'er turquoise sky, 

" Love feels but never sees." 
Eyes sometimes weep; joys can't all keep, 

Clouds drift and come again. 
Love that's unmindful of its hurts 

Will lasting love remain. 

Ah, turtle dove, thou mournest for 

Thy mate who's flown away. 
While he, unmindful of his troth 

On some far bough doth sway. 
My love too's careless of his oath. 

He's left me grieved — alone. 
Where once his lips laid soft caress 

Mind grief has placed its stone. 



FOUK SEAS 



WELCOME HOME 

Welcome home ! Ah what words sweeter 
Can there come to cheer the soul! 

Welcome home! The pulse beats fleeter 
As we near the sunset^s goal. 

Hills behind are tinted golden 

While there beckon from the gloam, 

Arms that with'ring ne^er grow olden 
But bid us fond welcome home. 

Sweetest music ever wafted 

On the air or o'er the foam, 
Are the words that love has drafted 

When the heart says, welcome home ! 

Tenderness and pent up yearning 
Follow loved ones who may roam, 

Till their steps with heart are turning 
Back to hear sweet, welcome home! 



27 



FOUR SEAS 



CHEER UP, LITTLE LOUISE 

Today may be dark, or be cold, or be drear. 

Cheer up, little Louise. 
With nothing but trouble in offing or near. 

Cheer up, Little Louise. 
As long as a warm heart beats in the breast; 
So long as the sunset presages rest. 
What comes tomorrow is ever the best. 

Cheer up, little Louise. 

Love never leaves noble souls in despair, 

Cheer up, little Louise. 
A smile always blots out the trace of a tear 

Cheer up, little Louise. 
So long as a song echoes sweet in the soul. 
As long as good friendship is heart's fairest goal 
Will happiness bring us its comforting stole, 

Cheer up, little Louise. 

On the moss verdant bank of the swift Edisto, 

Cheer up, httle Louise. 
We pHghted our troth, you and I, long ago. 

Cheer up, little Louise. 
The starHght reflected from sky o'er that stream 
Was naught to the love light that shed its bright beam 
On me as I whispered my heart's gift (sweet theme), 

Cheer up, little Louise. 

28 



FOUR SEAS 



The birds have all feathered and flown from the nest, 

Cheer up, little Louise. 
And soon you and I will be taking our rest, 

Cheer up, little Louise. 
There's one little cherub yon sleeping alone 
Of him one reminder is left us — a stone, 
And memories that sweeter grow till we are gone. 

Cheer up, little Louise. 



FOUR SEAS 



WHEN THE SAP COMMENCES RUNNING 

When the sap commences running 

In the maple and the pine; 
Nature's robes turn green with sunning; 

Soft and tender sprout and spine, 
There's a verve to all that's living 

Fining souls with thoughts divine 
When the sap commences giving 

In the maple and the pine. 

Spring comes prancing o'er the hillside, 

Dull gray winter hastes away, 
Changing green is every rillside; 

Warm-breathed zephyrs romp and play. 
Then heart-hopes start skyward running. 

Love gives courage every sign 
When the sap commences running 

In the maple and the pine. 

When the shoots are green and tender 

On each tree and shrub and vine; 
When the grasses long and slender 

Leap to greet the warm sunshine 
Youth shows bravery, nothing shunning 

'Tis no season to repine, 
When the sap commences running 

In the maple and the pine. 
30 



FOUR SEAS 



OH, FADED FLOWER 

Oh, faded flower! 
Oh, vanished hour! 

Both useless now and gone. 
No fragrance left. 
A friend bereft 

Sings in regretting tone. 

Gone from the earth. 
Forsaking mirth. 

You mingle with the past; 
Where all we love. 
Life's treasure trove 

Finds resting place at last. 

Once breathing sweet. 
One's passing fleet, 

In mem'ry leaving trace. 
Once thou wert fair. 
Time's jewel rare 

Who can thy value place? 

Can there be friends 
When loving ends? 

Where is the heart's relief? 
When soul is bowed 
'Neath sorrow's cloud, 

Can Memory be brief? 

31 



FOUE SEAS 



Oh, faded flower! 
Oh! vanished hour! 

Could you but come again, 
Love would love still 
And life's hour fill. 

Heart would forget its pain. 



I SAW YOU 

I saw you as I passed last night, 

Framed in a sky of gold; 
And through the sun's fast pahng light 

You seemed a queen of old, 
Whose smile was light to all the world 

Against the crowding dark. 
And in my soul a song there purled — 

Re-echoed by the lark. 

I saw you as I passed last night, 

Your tresses burnished gold, 
While in your eyes a happy bright 

Gleam of your friendship told. 
And I went singing on my way; 

On, on into the dark. 
But in my heart still shone the day. 

And still — still sang the lark. 



32 



FOUE SEAS 



DESTINY 

In endless shifting cycle each hfe doth ever whirl 
Till Time's Eternal ocean absorbs its rush and purl. 

We go from birth to slumber; pass through earth's 

grinding mill, 
Just grains of wheat — thro' crushers — then blown as 

fate's winds will. 

We come from God at morning and in his daylight burn, 
Gasp, sigh and blink till evening, then back to God 
return. 



In endless shifting cycle each life doth ever whirl. 
Soon Time's eternal ocean absorbs its rush and swirl. 



33 



FOUR SEAS 



QUESTING 

A bird, a song, — and a leafing shrub 
Sprayed with sun-balm from the sky; 

Near silver stream whose ripples gleam 
And a gray road's running by, 

Trailing away where summers play. 
Who could resist? Not I. 

A book — a friend — and a happy heart 

On a beck'ning shady lane, 
Where verdant croft is pillow soft; 

The roving soul's domain! 
Ah, life is sweet where pagan feet 

May scamper or remain. 

A bird — a song — and a leafing shrub ! 

Then, vagabond, my thought 
Goes jaunting by where echoes sigh 

And bees their homes have wrought; 
Goes 'neath the blue, a-seeking you 

Where airs with love are fraught. 



34 



FOUR SEAS 



TRAVELING 

O'er the trees the sun is sinking, 
Daylight's fading — almost gone. 

From the dark the stars are twinkling; 
Soon my journey will be done. 

Stout my courage was at morning, 

With my hopes fixed in the sky. 
Now, with knowledge that I'm lorning 

Every breath's a soul worn sigh. 

Travel-stained I am — and weary. 

Torn by bramble thorns of hate; 
And the hours at times were dreary; 

Now I'm near to home-oped gate. 

Up the slope that years have measured 

Slow and footsore I have trod. 
Whate'er good cheer came I treasured 

As my blessings sent from God. 

Hard I've tried to face each duty 

Life has taught me was a task, 
Set to give my soul its beauty; 

No fate's favor did I ask. 

Through the trees the sun is setting 

And the day is almost o'er — 
Landscape's draped in twilight's netting — 

Soon comes night. — Good night! No more. 
35 



FOUR SEAS 



REMARK 

Why hath Dame Nature wrought such freaks 

To bhght us with foul breath? 
Earth's brightest minds she taints and streaks 

Nor purifies till death. 



REFLECTION 

As a reaper mows the yellowed grain 
And naught save stubbles there remain 
To tell us what fair nature bore; 
So death us mortals soon lays low 
While only here and there still show 
A trace of human deeds — no more, 
To mark the path of those who trod 
The rugged slopes from earth to God. 



36 



FOUR SEAS 



TO 0. M. J. 

Oh friend of mine, what can I say, 

When words such weakUngs are; 
To make less halting this my lay 

To friendship's fairest star? 
If your eyes mirror out your soul 

Then I see hidden there, 
As minutes into hours roll, 

Gifts rich beyond compare. 

Few have the art of knowing when 

Life needs a friendly tear; 
To drop on gloom its pearl, and then 

Give courage where there's fear. 
Yet Nature hath thee full endowed 

With sympathy supreme. 
Oh, may I share it till — head bowed — 

I sleep, at last, and dream. 

Tho' winds will blow on other days 

There'll be no hours like these; 
When youth's sun thro' life's summer plays 

Love lilts on every breeze. 
Were I but just one wish allowed 

Before my hour supreme, 
I'd ask your friendship, till — head bowed - 

I sleep, at last, — and dream. 



37 



FOUR SEAS 



EVENING THOUGHTS 

The sun, which touched the hills with twilight kiss, 
Fast draws about the fields his robe of night. 

While I trudge on my way lest I shall miss 
The path 'long which bright plays the window light. 

A vapor mounts toward the stars with westward swing, 
Adrift in wraith-like shapes across the ground. 

Each seems a human impulse on the wing 
To some celestial haven homeward bound. 

A childish, plaintive wail comes on the breeze 

In duet with a mother's lullaby. 
One — fretful, sobbing voice (impatience seeking ease). 

One — soothing soft, Hke love's caressing sigh. 

How mem'ry flashes back along the way 
To lowly cottage whence at rush of morn. 

Home leash did fret me while love sought my stay. 
How might I've saved me wound of hedge and thorn! 

The noisy barnyard flocks beseek their perch 
With many squawk and sputter of complaint; 

With flapping wing and gutt'ral sigh they lurch 
E'er lapsing into silent night's restraint. 

38 



FOUE SEAS 



We are but plumed cocks who strut and crow 
Then grumbling fold our wings at close of day. 

Or, like the garden buds that swell and grow, 
We sprout, develop, ripen and decay. 

I look back on the path through travel's woods 

Where trace the true and false steps men have made. 

Some paid the price yet ne'er received the goods; 
But, gained or lost, perforce were satisfied. 

Not satisfied perhaps but kenning fate 

Whose strict decree had willed this as their mete. 

Contentment took life's loss to compensate 
And casting down their arms deemed work complete. 

Could they have battled with renewing strength 
'Gainst every swinging, swaying push of tide, 

They would have learned to know the truth at length; 
Stout hand at helm, ships will the storms outride. 

Too soon for some did end their ruling power. 

For some Time's clock ne'er ceased to tick in pain. 
The sands for some too soon ran out their hour. 

The glass was emptied and upturned again. 

How fared those weakling souls benumbed to right? 

Who walks with low minds never will be wise; 
For hordes of vanities will in pit darkness fight 

Since envy hath naught else but cruel eyes. 

39 



FOUR SEAS 



Who dares be sage nor heeds the fickle breeze, 
The swaying, shifting clamor of the crowd, 

Will some day find he's worlds to give him ease 
While heads of empires at his feet are bowed. 

To tread the highways where God's noble walk 
We need no weighty load of troublous pelf; 

To stand unharmed while round it evils stalk 
A virtue needs no other guard but self. 

Than join the mob that screeching demons are 
Nor hurl a challenge at hfe's ills that cry, 

Far better 'tis to stand alone at honor's bar 
And strive to master or to bravely die. 

Tho' robust throat may with the loudest howl, 
He cannot lead who ne'er has known restraint. 

Tho' pseudo penitence affect to wear the cowl 
The surplice does not always hide a saint. 

There is no hour when we are paused and still. 

All worlds move in majestic ordered way; 
A seething, restless swerve to mighty will 

Through cycles, seasons, on through night and day. 

We think of world as just our little sphere 

And preen ourselves with pompousness and pride. 

Ten thousand other worlds wot not we're here 
Tho' through a vast expanse of Universe we glide. 

40 



FOUR SEAS 



We are but silhouettes of souls that play 

Where many long gone noonday suns have shown. 

We crawl about Time's moulds for one brief day. 
At night we silent vanish and are gone. 

The sands that sweep o'er life's eternal plain 
Are scarce disturbed so lightly do we dance. 

Sometimes the game is such we'd e'er remain 
But night entombs us in our final manse. 

So much we gather on the path of life 

From reading milestones, both the new and old; 

From glimpsing wrecks of other days and strife 
Ere Time has wrapped them in oblivion's mantle fold. 

God matches men to fit with each new need. 

He gives a voice to raise 'gainst every wrong. 
He shapes a hero ever when heroic deed 

Has need of champion with heart that's strong. 

So, matters not how far off course we drift, 
In storm true reckoning's regained by star. 

Not always do we win though race we swift; 
Not by what speed we run, but ye, how far. 

The sun has touched the hills with twilight kiss 
And drawn about the fields his robe of night. 

I shall not falter lest the way I miss. 

The lamp of hope must ne'er be dim but bright. 



41 



FOUR SEAS 



WHAT THE VIOLET HEARD 

A violet waked in its winter bed 

^ Neath coverlet of snow. 
0-o-oh! it shivered then tucked its head 
As it heard the north wind blow — 
0-o-oh! but it's cold! 

Soon April's smiles drove the snow away 

And the earth was warm again. 
When the robins sang their joyous lay 

Sighed the violet to the rain, 
A-a-ah, earth's dehght! 

Her heart was glad when she saw the sun 

As the South wind gently blew. 
Soon a bud unfurled — a perfumed one — 

To a wind-lisped, " I love you, 
Oh sweet spring bloom." 

Then a youth passed by and the bud espied 
'Twas his gift to a maid he knew. 

Guess what the violet heard when she sighed 
As he whispered of faith true. 
'Twas, '' I love you." 



42 



FOUR SEAS 



TO V— A— 

A nightingale with a heavy heart 

Sat mute in treetop high. 
His soul was sad — he'd lost his art 

Till he heard sweet violet's sigh. 
Her perfumed breath gave him content 

For he knew that fragrance rare 
Was meant in tenderness for him 

Though worlds in it might share. 

He lifted up his soul in song; 

The night sky felt the thrill, 
And paused in rapture — lingered long 

On each full-throated trill. 
And as with violet and with bird 

So 'tis, my friend, with thee. 
Thy tender way and sympathy 

Doth make what song's in me. 



43 



FOUR SEAS 



LINES TO A PICTURE 

She whose image thou dost bear, 
Likeness of my friend so fair, 
With me grew from childhood's year 
To the age and form you wear. 
She and I once playmates were 
And, tho' time some scenes may blur 
Yet I treasure as subhme 
Memories of that happy time, 
Long ago, long ago. 

Years agone our lives were rift; 
Fate, relentless, cruel, swift, 
Made us on and onward drift. 
Yet no lot could from me lift 
That bright scene on memory's wall 
Which seems fairest of them all. 
In which, laughing or in tears. 
We went tripping through the years. 
She and I; she and I. 

She, perhaps, may never know 
All my fortunes, joy and woe. 
Should she not, e'en be it so — 
To my grave with me 'twill go, 

44 



FOUR SEAS 



That I love her and adore 
Her, my idol, evermore. 
Till death yields me to my dream? 
This my secret, sacred theme 
Evermore, evermore. 

Image of my friend, so true, 
Tho' I talk alone to you, 
Yet our hearts those times renew; 
And along Hfe's path we strew 
Flowers, faded, yet they bring 
Fancies that thro' years still cling. 
As I climb life's rocky slope, 
They shall cheer me, bid me hope - 
Ever hope. Ever hope. 



45 



FOUE SEAS 



WHEN THE TIDE GOES OUT 

When the tide goes out from the shore and me 

With its sad repeated sigh, 
It tells of graves of ships and men, 

Those whose bones deep resting lie; 
Stout barks — brave men — who ventured out 

Where the spume and white caps play; 
Who dared to sail in calm and gale 

And who scorned the sheltered bay. 

When the tide goes out it carries hope 

For the sailor's safe return. 
To the home and heart in a sure retreat 

Where the love-bright beacons burn. 
Yet hopes are dashed and ships are brashed. 

For the sea is never still. 
And some who go on the tide's outflow 

Come back — some never will. 

When the tide goes out from the shore — leaves me 

Alone with its doleful sigh, 
The thought takes form that a sloop I guide 

Over life's waves low and high. 
So my sails I'll trim, let my lights not dim 

As we breast the spume and foam. 
May my bark's keel make white path in its wake 

That may guide some kin craft home. 



46 



FOUR SEAS 



WALKING HOME WITH MARY 

We left the singing school that night 

Myself — my heart — and Mary. 
The whole world seemed a palace bright 

Built by some moon-made fairy. 
We trudged across the fallow field, 

Myself — my hopes — and Mary. 
She wouldn't talk — my soul appealed — 

My tongue was quite contrary. 

We reached the stile by Adam's brook, 

When I, to help her over, 
Reached out — her hand in mine I took 

The air was sweet with clover. 
'Twas such a wee small dainty hand 

From wrist to tip of finger, 
I swear it never had been planned 

That mine should o'er it linger. 

Perhaps I held it much too long. 

I cannot quite remember. 
In truth but for the catbird's song 

I'd say 'twas in September. 
And as she was about to trip 

As light as any fairy, 
O'er the last step there was a sKp 

And — in my arms fell Mary. 
47 



FOUE SEAS 



The moon looked from behind a cloud 

And there I was — with Mary, 
With my heart thumping quick and loud 

I 'ad palsy temporary. 
I couldn't let the lady fall 

Though tempted to be chary. 
There's nothing more I can recall — 

'Cept that — I married Mary. 



PROMISES 

Someone made a promise 
When promises were true, 

And skies were filled with sunshine. 
Now, was that someone you? 

Someone made a promise 
And vowed it ne'er to rue. 

But then the fields were golden 
And all the sky was blue. 

The rainbow is a promise 
Yet rainbows all soon fade. 

So who can keep unbroken 
The vow of youth or maid? 



48 



FOUE SEAS 



THE EVENING STAR 

There's a bright star gleaming in the evening sky- 
Where the sunbeams tint the slope; 

And it sends a word from its haven high — 
Twinkling message spelling hope. 

There's a fair star shimm'ring in the western sky, 

With a cheering, warming light, 
That portends a shifting in conditions nigh 

When all wrongs will bow to right. 

There's a lone star hanging in the sunset sky. 

It the treetops sails above 
And it glimmers warmer as we mortals sigh. 

To sad heart it speaks of love. 

There's a bright star swinging in the west warm sky. 

In the path that worlds have trod. 
And it fills the souls that o'er troubles cry 

Till they lift their eyes to God. 



49 



FOUE SEAS 



THE FATES 

Clotho sits and spins a thread, 

Silken, soft and fine; 
Thus hfe starts the years to tread 

Over down and spine. 

Atropos the weaving does 

And, as is her mood, 
Life takes happiness or woe; 

Evil shape or good. 

Lachesis bends near the wheel 
Cruel, — without tears. 

Till, when life doth glory feel 
Then she plies her shears. 



50 



FOUE SEAS 



BROTHERS 

They bind his feet; they thong his hands 
With hard hemp rope and iron bands. 
They scourge his back in ghouhsh glee; 
And bleed his flesh; — - men, mark ye — free. 
They still his groans with fiendish shout, 
Where flesh streams red they ply the knout. 
Thus sons of men feed lust to kill 
And yet. Oh God! They're brothers still. 

They build a pyre of torch and flame 
While Justice weeps in deepest shame. . 
E'en Death in pity bows his head, 
Yet 'midst these men no prayer is said. 
They gather up charred flesh and bone — 
Mementos — boasting brave deed done. 
They sip of gore their souls to fill; 
Drink deep of blood their hands did spill. 

Go tell the world what men have done 
Who prate of God and yet have none; 
Think of themselves as wholly good, 
Blaspheme the name of brotherhood; 
Who hearken not as brothers cry 
For brother's chance to five and die. 
To keep a demon's murder tryst 
They'd rend the sepulcher of Christ. 



51 



FOUR SEAS 



LITTLE 

Work a little, play a little, 

Little time we may. 
Laugh a little, cry a little, 

Life can't all be gay. 

Hope a little, grope a little, 
Pathway flat or steep; 

Sing a little, groan a little, 
Soon we'll fall asleep. 

Love a little, hate but little 

Lest by hate we fall. 
Lift each neighbor's load a little. 

Great deeds grow from small. 



52 



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